Each year the Marion Police Department coordinates their night out with the National date, which is the first Tuesday of August. More than 16,000 communities from all fifty states, Canadian cities and military bases take part in National Night Out. The first national night out was held in 1984 and was meant to increase awareness about police programs in communities.

​

Today, the purpose continues to inform the public about police duties, but it also provides the public with information on drug prevention, neighborhood watch initiatives, and additional anti-crime efforts. It also allows residents to engage the officers and ask questions.